It has been an amazing start to our awesome 2018-2019 school year and my 14th year of teaching (second at Garden Hills)! Our students are settling into new routines and new behavior plan in the art room. Today Ms. Carlson's 4th grade class was recognized with an "I See IB" award for earning the most flowers in the school. Every art class, students are recognized for being amazing artist, following directions, being nice and kind, keeping their space clean, staying focused on art task, and completing assignments by the deadline. Check out Ms. Carlson's tweet about their win today! The flowers are a great way to recognize positive behaviors. Mr. Willougby's 2nd grade class is just four flowers behind in second place! I will keep you posted on each class' progress.

We have been busy artists. All students, from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade, constructed sketchbooks. As artists, we track our learning with drawings and notes. The sketchbooks keep us organized throughout the year and is a great reflection tool at the end of the year. After we made our sketchbooks, we all began different units inspired by the dream theme. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st grade are all exploring paint in different ways. They are finishing their projects this week, and OMG they are sooooo cute! 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade are working on illustrations inspired by surreal artists, and 5th grade is starting surreal paper mache sculptures. Students are thinking about their art supplies super sized! I can't wait to share pictures of these amazing creations! Sneak peak below!

Calling all artist!!!! If you are interested in making art at home, check out this opportunity from our Superintendent, Dr. Meria Carstarphen. She is asking students to decorate a holiday card. It is still steamy and humid, but put on some holiday music, channel your inner snowman, and design a card! CLICK THIS LINK for the rules and information!